New Iata chief to pilot association ‘to even greater heights’

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has appointed Saadia Zahidi as director general, taking up the role from November 1.

 

Zahidi will be Iata’s ninth director general and the first woman appointed to hold the position.

 

She joins from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a managing director and member of the managing board.

 

Willie Walsh, Iata’s current director general, will conclude his duties on July 31.

 

Sandrine Le Borgne, Iata’s chief financial officer and senior vice-president for corporate services, will serve as interim director general for the intervening period. 

 

Roberto Alvo, Iata chair and chief executive of Latam Airlines Group, said: “Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen Iata as the voice of the world’s airlines.

 

“Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has and continues to change the world for the better.”

 

More: Special Report: Iata highlights challenges as Walsh signs off

 

Iata chief and former BA boss Willie Walsh to head IndiGo

 

He noted how her appointment comes at a time of “significant change”, adding: “Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently and sustainably.

 

“She’ll bring a fresh perspective to Iata that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of Iata’s well-established technical, financial and data capabilities.

 

“I thank Willie for his outstanding leadership that helped Iata emerge from the Covid years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever.

 

“We now look forward to Saadia taking Iata’s work to even greater heights.”

 

Zahidi added: “I am honoured to help advance Iata’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment.

 

“I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments and the ecosystem of partners to build on Iata’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience and advancing sustainable growth.

 

“Together, we can expand the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the world.”

 

Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum.

 

She founded and currently heads its Centre for the New Economy and Society. Previously she has led the WEF’s Global Communications Group, Global Programming Group, and WEF’s engagement with academics, civil society and international organisations.

 

Zahidi founded and co-authors WEF’s Future of Jobs Reports, the Future of Growth Reports, the Global Gender Gap Reports, and Chief Economist Outlooks.

 

She has served on the UN Secretary-General’s panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group.

 

She is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, tracking the rise of working women in the Muslim world.

 

Zahidi holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute and an MPA from Harvard University. She holds Swiss and Pakistani nationalities.

 

Walsh will become chief executive of Indian airline IndiGo next month.